Doddery Hamster

[Prudie]

My dear little hamster is nearly 3 so I know he won't have too much longer but lately he's become really doddery on his feet and generally looks run-down. My question to those who have kept hamsters is do you let them carry on regardless when old-age takes its toll until they die or should they be put down humanely by a vet?

[lankeela]

Sadly the first time most hamster owners know there is a problem is when they find a cold stiff body curled up in the cage. As you are obviously a caring owner, why not take him to the vet for a check up and ask their advice, and if it is to let him go peacefully then you will have done him a great favour rather than let him die what could be a long lingering death.

[DosAmigos]

Do you want another? My daughter is looking to re-home hers.

Distance no object!!

[Prudie]

Thank you lankeela, I'll probably take your advice
Don't want another one sorry DA

[BIGDOGY]

Is where you keep hammie warm. If not he may be on the verge of hibernation which would make him seem doddery.

[berniecuddles]

agree with lankeela we are on our 6th hamster we loved evryone of them,the 4th one was a bit like that and the vet decided the best thing to do was to have her put down so we did, its horrible to find them curled up in their cage when they have died!
i think it cost us £20 at the vets but worth it in case the little one one was in any pain!

[what..the?]

bless him, I have put to sleep a few in the past and it has to be weighed up if he is struggling if at times he seems fine and he is eating it might be too early for him to go to hammy heaven but if you see him struggling to move or eat, or he is eating and doing less he might be struggling or in discomfort and it might be best to help him along than see him suffer. Having not put animals down and then watched them suffer sometimes helping them before it is too late and they suffer too much is often the best decision in the long run.

[mrs.chappie]

So sorry to read about the poor wee thing's struggles, Prudie.

It has reminded me of something my SIL told me recently. Their hamster had "died" and she had put it in a little box, ready for burial. Suddenly the lid came off the box and little hammy came back to life!

As said earlier, think he'd gone into hibernation mode.